MXPA06002705A

MXPA06002705A - Electric toothbrushes and replaceable components.

Info

Publication number: MXPA06002705A
Application number: MXPA06002705A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Aleksey Mikhailovich Pinyayev
Original assignee: Procter & Gamble
Priority date: 2003-09-09
Filing date: 2004-09-09
Publication date: 2006-09-04
Also published as: WO2005023131A3; EP1663059A2; BRPI0413534A; CA2540119C; CA2537288A1; WO2005023143A2; EP1663056B1; EP1663056A2; US7748070B2; WO2005023145A3; WO2005023146A2; EP1663059B1; MXPA06002707A; EP1663058B1; CA2570366C; CA2540125A1; BRPI0414232A; US20050050659A1; WO2005023131A2; CA2540122C

Abstract

Disclosed is an electric toothbrush having an electrically powered element disposed on the head, and at least one removable and replaceable component. In particular is disclosed an electric toothbrush having removable and replaceable bristle holder, which can be removed and replaced without removing the electrically powered element from the head of the toothbrush.

Description

WO 2005/023144 A3 ^ llilll ^ ll'Hillll llllIfl illllflillllIflillll !! For iwo-leller codes and oiher abbreviations, refer to the "Guidance Notes on Codes and Abbreviations" appearing at the beginning of the regular issue of the PCT Gazette. »Ísij * .j [, Juita? Tu ... ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES AND REPLACEABLE COMPONENTS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to electric toothbrushes that use an electrically driven element in the head of the toothbrush. In some versions of the toothbrush, the components of the brush head are replaceable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In general, the present invention relates to a buccal care implement having one or more electrically driven elements positioned in the head, including, but not limited to, light emitting diodes, light emitting elements that use incandescent elements, laser, halogen elements, neon elements, fluorescent elements, plasma elements, xenon elements, dental floss elements, massage elements, scraping elements, heat emitting elements, sonic wave emitting elements, ultrasound emitting elements, electric current emitting elements, substance emitting elements and / or any combination of these. These tools for oral care may include, but are not limited to, electric toothbrushes, floss accessories, dental polishers, gum massagers, etc. Traditionally, the electrically operated elements can be expensive, and can have a useful life that exceeds the traditional life of the bristles in the head of a toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes may have replaceable heads, however, if the electrically driven element is placed on the toothbrush head, replacing the headpiece also results in replacement of the electrically driven element. The electrically driven element may not need replacement at the same time that the bristles and / or other components in the head need to be replaced, and thus it is desired to be able to replace the bristles and / or other components in the toothbrush head without replace the electrically driven element. However, replacing the bristles and / or other components in the head without replacing the electrically actuated element requires that the bristles and / or other components can be disassembled or replaced without interfering and / or damaging the electrically driven element placed on the brush head of teeth. In addition, the components can be disassembled and / or replaced without cutting off the electrical connection between the electrically driven element and the battery. Therefore, a need recognized by consumers is an electric toothbrush comprising an electrically driven element placed on the head of the toothbrush having removable and / or replaceable components that allows the consumer to disassemble and / or replace the components without replacing the electrically driven component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an electric toothbrush comprising: a handle, a head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head, the handle defines a hollow inner region, the electric toothbrush has a longitudinal axis; the head includes at least one electrically driven element; a motor placed in the hollow interior region defined in the handle, which is electrically connected to the electrically driven element; and at least one component, in which the component can be disassembled and replaced without disassembling the electrically driven element from the toothbrush head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The invention can take any physical form in certain parts and configurations of parts, the embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying figures that form a part of this document, and wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electric toothbrush in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a planar top view of the electric toothbrush of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the electric toothbrush of Figure 1. Figure 4 is an exploded partial perspective view of an embodiment. of the toothbrush made in accordance with the present invention illustrating certain components and their assembly. Figure 5 is a partial exploded perspective view of a toothbrush embodiment made in accordance with the present invention illustrating certain components and their assembly. Figure 6 is an exploded partial perspective view of a toothbrush embodiment made in accordance with the present invention illustrating certain components and their assembly. Figure 7 is an exploded partial perspective view of a head and neck portion and the components of an electric toothbrush made in accordance with the present invention. Figure 8 is an exploded partial perspective view of a head and neck portion and components of an electric toothbrush made in accordance with the present invention. Figure 9 is a front view of a head and neck portion of the electric toothbrush of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a side view of an electric toothbrush in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 11 is a side view of the electric toothbrush of Figure 10. Figure 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the head and neck portion and components of an electric toothbrush. Figure 13 is a top elevational view of a bristle holder made in accordance with the present invention. Figure 14 is a perspective view of an elastomeric component for use in the electric toothbrush made in accordance with the present invention. Figure 15 is a perspective view of an elastomeric component for use in the electric toothbrush manufactured in accordance with the present invention. Figure 16 is a perspective view of an elastomer component for use in the electric toothbrush manufactured in accordance with the present invention. Figure 17 is a perspective view of an elastomeric component for use in the electric toothbrush manufactured in accordance with the present invention. Figure 18 is a perspective view of an elastomeric component for use in the electric toothbrush made in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a floss attachment for use in the electric toothbrush manufactured in accordance with the present invention. Figure 20 is a perspective view of a polishing cup for use in the electric toothbrush manufactured in accordance with the present invention. Figure 21 is a perspective view of an oral care implement manufactured in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES In general, the present invention relates to an oral care implement for use in the mouth having one or more electrically operated elements placed on the head including, but not limited to, light emitting diodes, light emitting elements that use incandescent elements, laser elements, halogen elements, neon elements, fluorescent elements, plasma elements, xenon elements, dental floss elements, massage elements, scraping elements, heat emitting elements, sonic wave emitting elements, ultrasound emitting elements, electric current emitting elements, composition emitting elements and / or any combination thereof. These mouth care implements may include, but are not limited to, electric toothbrushes, flossed applicators, dental polishers, gum massagers, etc. As used herein, the term electrically driven element includes any electrically driven element that can convert electrical energy to the place where the element is placed. For example, a light emitting element can convert electrical energy into light at the place where the element is placed; such as in the head of an electric toothbrush. For simplification purposes, the present invention will be discussed below as incorporated in an electric toothbrush having a head on which a light emitting element is placed. However, it is contemplated that the invention may be an implement for oral care that does not include sows. In addition to an electrically driven element, an electric toothbrush made in accordance with the present invention may further include one or more mobile bristle holders, one or more optional bristle holders, a traction shaft, a motor, a power source as a battery, and may include additional elastomeric or non-elastomeric, removable and / or replaceable components. The electric toothbrushes of the present invention can be used as part of a regimen for personal hygiene for cleaning the teeth and gums using a motorized movement, while the light emitting elements illuminate the brushing region, including the teeth and teeth. / or the gums. In addition, the light emitted from this electric toothbrush can be used to activate different properties in substances located in the oral cavity. The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush having replaceable and / or removable portions of the head and / or neck including, but not limited to, a removable and / or replaceable plate carrying bristles, bristle carriers, or additional components such as melamine-formaldehyde foam, floss accessories, scrapers, gum massagers, scraping components, polishing cups, rubber tips, and / or any combination of these. Having these components removable and / or replaceable allows the user to disassemble and / or replace the various components of the toothbrush when the components have worn out or when the consumer wants a different component in the head of the toothbrush. In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electric toothbrush 10 includes an elongated body portion or handle 12, a head 16, and a neck 14 extending between the head and the head. mango. This embodiment of the electric toothbrush includes a movable bristle holder 20 and grip portions 70 and 72. This embodiment of the present invention also comprises, as shown in Figure 2, a longitudinal axis 19, support or static supports of bristles. 22, and an electrically driven element 75 placed in the center of a swivel bristle holder 20 that includes the bristles 24. A bristle holder is a component of the brush on which the bristles are placed. A bristle holder can be static or mobile. A static bristle support is not operatively connected to a traction shaft. As an alternative, a mobile bristle stand is a bristle stand which is operatively connected to a traction shaft, which is connected to the motor. The bristles can be placed on the bristle supports. The type of movement provided by the electric toothbrushes of the present invention can be varied widely. The mobile and / or static bristle stands and the arrangement of the bristles placed on top can also be varied widely. For example, the static bristles could partially or completely surround the mobile bristle carriers or can be placed in a space between multiple mobile bristle carriers. Examples of some mobile bristle carriers and bristle arrangements suitable for use with the present invention are described in US Pat. num. 20030126699; 20030084525; 20030084524; 20030084526; and WO 03/063723; and WO 03/063722. The bristles can be made of conventional non-elastomeric materials such as polyethylene, or they can be made of elastomeric materials such as natural or synthetic rubber, polyolefins, polyetherramides, polyester, styrenic polymers, polyurethanes, etc., or a combination of materials. As shown in Figure 3, the handle 12 further includes a hollow interior region 30 housing an engine 32. The hollow interior region 30 extends, generally, along an axis 34 and retains the engine 32 and one or more sources of electrical energy such as a battery 60. Switching elements or contacts 50 and 54 can be used in conjunction with the switch 52 to selectively operate the motor 32 and the electrically driven element 75. In this mode, the motor 32 drives the mobile support bristles 20 through a rotary shaft 44. The shaft 44 rotates or oscillates about an axis 19. A gear device is operatively connected between the shaft 44 and the motor 32. The gear device includes an endless screw 40 and a pair of stepped gears 42, 43. The motor 32 is operatively connected to the worm 40. The step gear 42 is operatively connected to the stepped gear 43 and the worm 40. The light emitting element 74 is Place inside the head of the toothbrush. A switch 52 is provided to control the operation of the electric toothbrush and is operatively connected to the motor 32. The switch 52 is also configured to operate one or more light emitting elements of the toothbrush. This operation can be momentary or continuous. When the switch 52 is closed, a circuit is completed between the battery 60 provided within the hollow interior region 30 of the handle 12 and the motor 32 and the electrically driven element 75. A motor is operatively connected to the mobile bristle support when some action by the motor results in a response of the mobile support of bristles. A physical connection is not required. An axle can extend from the engine through the neck and to at least a portion of the head. The shaft can rotate, oscillate, move linearly in turn, rotate, vibrate or spin when driven by the motor to impart one or more motions to the moving bristle supports. A gear device can be provided between the motor and the shaft or between the shaft and the moving bristle supports to impart movement to them. Axles and / or illustrative gear devices are shown in U.S. Pat. num. 6,360,395 and 5,617,601 and in the application WO 03/079358, as well as in other patents and patent publications cited therein. A magnetic impeller can also be used to impart a vibrating motion to the bristles of the toothbrush, as described in U.S. Pat. no. 5,189,751. Additional examples of vibrating electric toothbrushes are shown in U.S. Pat. num. 5,189,751, 5,544,382, and 5,448,792. The handle also has a power source such as one or more batteries, placed therein to activate the motor and the light emitting elements. Alternatively, the electric toothbrush can be connected to an external power source to activate the motor and the light emitting elements. The removable and / or replaceable components of the toothbrush include, but are not limited to, bristle-bearing faceplate, bristle holders, or additional components such as melamine-formaldehyde foam, floss accessories, scrapers, gum massages, components of scrapers, polishing cups, rubber tips, as well as other elastomeric or non-elastomeric components and / or any combination thereof. The removable and / or replaceable components of the present invention can be connected to the electric toothbrush with a snap fit and / or a sliding connection, so that they can be disassembled or replaced as desired without replacing the electrically operated element also placed on the toothbrush. Toothbrush head. In addition, these components may have openings, or portions that are translucent and / or transparent, thereby allowing the electrically actuated element positioned in the toothbrush head to emit through the component and / or the toothbrush head. The components can be attached directly to the toothbrush head or can be placed on a stand. In addition, a combination of the components can be placed on a single support. In one embodiment, the removable and / or replaceable component of the electric toothbrush is at least one bristle holder. The bristle holders can be connected individually under pressure and / or by sliding on and off the toothbrush head. The electric toothbrush of the present invention can have multiple removable and / or replaceable bristle holders, or a single bristle holder that can be snapped or slidably coupled to the head. Both the movable and static bristle supports can be removable. In addition, the mobile bristle supports can be coupled to the head and operatively connected to the traction shaft. In a modality having a mobile stand of alternating movement bristles, as shown in Figure 4-6, the head 112 of the toothbrush receives a movable bristle holder 100 and a static bristle holder 102. The movable support bristles 100 is slidably coupled to the head of the toothbrush by means of the channel 120. The rail (s) 122 placed in the mobile bristle support 100 are received with the channel (s) 120 placed in the head 112 of the toothbrush. The mobile bristle support 100 alternately moves when it is operatively connected to the traction shaft 130. The mobile bristle support 100 is connected to the traction shaft 130 by means of a protrusion 140 which engages the opening 150 within the traction axis 130. While the mobile bristle holder slidably engages the head of the toothbrush, the protrusion on the mobile bristle support can be received within the opening of the traction shaft; thereby operatively connecting the mobile bristle support to the traction shaft. An electrically driven element such as a light emitting element 175 is placed in the head so that the mobile bristle holder slides on top of the light emitting element 175. The mobile bristle holder 100 may further include an opening 104 or a transparent and / or translucent portion through which the electrically driven element can emit. The head 112 of the toothbrush can also receive a static support of bristles 102 by means of one or channels 120. The rail or rails 124 placed in the static support of bristles 102 are received in the channel (s) 120 placed in the head 112 of the toothbrush. In this embodiment, the removable and / or replaceable components are static and mobile bristle carriers. The mobile bristle support further includes the openings 180 in which the bristles can be placed. In addition, the bristles can be placed in the openings 170 in the toothbrush head, and in the openings 160 in the static bristle holder. In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 7-9, the mobile bristle support oscillates. In this mode 200 the mobile bristle holder 202 is snapped onto the head 212 of the toothbrush. The bristle holder further includes a protrusion 204 which is received within the aperture 206 of the traction shaft 210; thereby operatively connecting the bristle holder 202 to the traction shaft 210. The bristle holder 202 also includes an aperture 216. When the bristle holder is placed on the head 212 of the toothbrush, the toothbrush emitter element 202 Light 275 fits into, and may shine through, this opening, as illustrated in Figure 9. This embodiment of the toothbrush may also include a static bristle holder 218, as shown in Figure 8. This static support of bristles can be snapped or slid over the toothbrush head. In this embodiment the static bristle holder includes a protrusion 220 that fits into the opening 222 in the head 212 of the toothbrush. The mobile bristle support 202 may further include the bristles 224. The static bristle holder 218 may include bristles placed in the openings 226. In another embodiment of the present invention, the removable and / or replaceable component is the bristle carrier faceplate of the toothbrush. The bristle carrying faceplate is the front half of the housing that forms the head and neck portion of the electric toothbrush. The front half of the housing may include the bristles, as well as any other component placed on the head of the toothbrush. As an alternative, the rear half of the housing includes the electrically driven element and the traction shaft. In this embodiment, the bristle carrying faceplate is pressfitted to the electric toothbrush. This allows the bristles and other components to be replaced without replacing the electrically driven element. In addition, this opens the head of the toothbrush, which can facilitate the replacement of the electrically driven element, since it allows access to the electrically driven element. In this mode 300 the bristle carrying face plate 302 can then be attached to the rear half of the housing 304 of the toothbrush 300, as shown in Figures 10-11. In this embodiment, the bristle carrier face plate engages to the rear half of the housing by means of a snap fit. The bristle carrying portion has protrusions 306 that fit within the openings 308 placed on the rear half of the housing. It is also contemplated that the rear half of the housing may have protrusions that fit within openings placed on the bristle carrying faceplate. NeverthelessIt is also contemplated that the bristle carrier face plate can be removed and slid by means of a channel and rail accessory. In another embodiment 400, the toothbrush head includes an individual bristle holder, as illustrated in Figure 12. In this embodiment, this individual bristle holder 402 of the head 412 is removable and / or replaceable. This portion of the toothbrush can include bristles 406 that can be placed in the openings 408, as shown in Figure 13. This bristle holder 402 can be attached to the toothbrush head by means of a snap fit, which includes the protuberances 410 and openings 416. However, it is also contemplated that the bristle holder can be removed and slid by means of a channel and rail accessory. As shown in Figure 13, the bristle holder includes an opening 420. When the bristle holder 402 engages the toothbrush head 412, the electrically driven element, such as the light emitting element 475, is received within and may shine through the opening 420. The toothbrush head may comprise components without bristles, removable and replaceable including, but not limited to, melamine-formaldehyde foam, floss accessories, scrapers, elastomeric components, in particular gum massages, scraper components, polishing cups, rubber tips, and non-elastomeric components and / or applicators, as shown in Figures 14-20. Figures 14-18 illustrate various elastomeric elements that can be used as gum massages, scraper components, applicators and / or rubber tips. In addition, Figure 19 illustrates a floss attachment, which can be used to clean the teeth with dental floss, and Figure 20 illustrates a polishing cup that can be used to polish the teeth. The floss attachment 500 includes elements 502 and 504 that can hold a piece of floss 501. These components can be individually coupled to the toothbrush head and / or the components can be placed on a carrier that snaps and / or It slidably engages the head of the toothbrush. Additional benefits of oral care can be achieved from the use of these components in combination with an electrically driven element as a light emitting element. In all the aforementioned modes, the electrically driven element is connected to the battery by means of wires.

These wires are not cut and / or removed during the disassembly and / or replacement of the removable and / or replaceable components. In one embodiment of the present invention, melamine foam is placed in the head of the toothbrush. The melamine foam shows a stain removal performance when used to clean the teeth. The melamine foam, when moistened with a suitable solvent such as water, removes stains from the teeth when the teeth come into contact with the moistened melamine foam. Moistened foam can also facilitate the removal of plaque and dental tartar. The removal of stains, plaque and dental tartar does not require the use of a detergent composition, clearly removal can occur when the melamine foam is moistened with running water. "Touch" with the teeth includes cleaning, scrubbing, rubbing the teeth with the melamine foam. Melamine foam provides removal of stains, plaque and dental tartar without abrading the surfaces of the teeth. A piece of the melamine foam can be included in the head of an oral care implement to clean the teeth. This piece may cover the entire head, or may cover only a portion of the head of the implement for oral care. In particular, a piece of foam can be placed on a replaceable component of the mouth care implement, so the piece of foam can be replaced as needed. The melamine foam can be used in the head of a toothbrush and in combination with the bristles and / or light to further improve the cleaning and / or removal of stains from the teeth. It is also contemplated that a piece of melamine foam may be included in a manual toothbrush or other buccal cleaning implement, and is not limited to use only in an electric toothbrush. In addition, the oral care implement that includes the melamine foam does not necessarily have an electrically operated element, bristles and / or other cleaning implement placed in the head, instead the head of the mouth care implement may only consist of of a piece of melamine foam. This buccal care implement can have a replaceable component, in which the melamine foam can be replaced when desired. In this mode 600, as shown in Figure 21, the mouth care implement includes a head 612, neck 614, and handle 610. In addition, the mouth care implement includes a piece of melamine foam 620. This piece of foam can be placed on a support, and snap fit or slidably attached to the head of the toothbrush; thereby allowing the replacement of the melamine foam as desired. It is also contemplated that the electrically operated elements of the present invention are replaceable. The replacement of the electrically driven element can be assisted by an electric toothbrush comprising removable and / or replaceable components. Components such as the bristle carrying face plate of the electric toothbrush can be removed thereby exposing the electrically driven element so that it can be replaced. The components can then be replaced in the toothbrush head, after the electrically driven element is replaced. A switch is placed on the handle to activate the motor and / or the electrically driven element. One embodiment of the electric toothbrush has a switch that includes an actuator and a metallic contact. This switch is pressed manually, pressing down a molded actuator button, which presses against a metal contact, completing the circuit, as in a conventional momentary switch. This switch allows continuous operation through a ramp design, pressing and sliding the actuator forward as in a conventional continuous switch. By combining these two functions in a switch, the consumer can test the unit and observe its operation before buying, and even put it into operation continuously as soon as it is removed from the package. The switch can also activate one or more electrically operated elements. Preferably, the electrically driven elements are energized each time the motor is activated. However, the toothbrush may have more than one switch to activate the electrically actuated elements and / or the mobile bristle holder. In an embodiment according to the present invention, a brush head includes a pressure sensitive switch that activates the electrically driven element when something contacts the bristles or head of the toothbrush. A switch in accordance with this design can shut off the electrically driven element as soon as the contact is cut, or automatically after a designated period of time. The electrically driven element can be regulated to indicate how long the electric toothbrush should be used to brush the teeth, or how long the teeth or mouth composition should be exposed to the emissions from the element. For example, once the bristles come into contact with the teeth, the electrically actuated element is turned on and remains on for approximately two minutes, and the electrically operated element is automatically turned off. Although the aforementioned switches are known, these can be replaced by other switches. In addition, a light emitting material can be used to form all or a portion of the toothbrush, including the toothbrush head and / or the bristle holder. An example of this material is Ultra Glow®, commercially available from Nichia America Corporation. In each of the embodiments described above, the light emitting element is placed in, on, around, under or directly adjacent to the moving and / or static bristle supports, so that the light is directed over the brushing area so efficiently as possible. A wide variety of light emitting elements can be used with the present invention. In particular, a light emitting element which is a small light emitting diode (LED), of low power consumption, such as those commercially available under the designation Luxeon ™ manufactured by Lumileds Lighting, LLC of San José CA. Other preferred commercially available light emitting units include those of American Opto Plus LED Corporation. The bristles can be colored, pigmented, or dyed to generally match the color of the light emitted by the light emitting element. In this way, the sow will not absorb but will reflect the light emitted by the light emitting element. In addition, a reflective shield could be used to help direct light towards the dental surfaces or gums, which is placed around or near the light emitting element. In addition, the head of the toothbrush can be formed and / or coated with a reflective material, so that the light is directed towards the point of emission of the toothbrush. Although the handle is described, preferably, battery driven, the invention also includes other well-known energy sources such as having a cord for an outlet connection, or rechargeable batteries and an associated bristle holder / charger (not shown). The electric toothbrush can be packaged in a case containing one or more replaceable and / or removable components. In particular, the electric toothbrush can be packaged with replaceable bristle holders and / or bristle-bearing front plates. The components can be assigned to different members of a family. Therefore color differences are often part of the different components in a case. Although the handle is described being battery powered, the invention also includes other well-known sources of energy such as cords for outlet connection or rechargeable batteries and an associated bristle holder / charger (not shown). The kit may further include one or more substances and / or oral compositions activated by light such as a bleached tooth composition. In addition, the kit may include other oral care substances not activated by light such as a dentifrice. The relevant parts of all the cited documents are incorporated herein by reference; The mention of any document should not be construed as an admission that it constitutes a prior industry with respect to the present invention. Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the technical field that various other changes and modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. It has therefore been intended to cover all the changes and modifications within the scope of the invention in the appended claims.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS 1. An electric toothbrush (10, 300, 400, 600) comprising: (a) a handle (12, 610), a head (16, 412, 612), and a neck (14, 614) extending between the handle and the head; the handle defines a hollow interior region (30); the electric toothbrush has a longitudinal axis (19); and the head comprises bristles (24, 224, 406); (b) the head comprises at least one electrically driven element (75); (c) a motor (32) positioned in the hollow interior region defined in the handle, which is electrically connected to the electrically driven element; (d) at least one component (20, 100, 202, 22, 102, 218, 302, 402, 500), wherein the component can be disassembled and replaced without disassembling the electrically driven element from the toothbrush head. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, further characterized in that the electrically driven element is a light emitting element (275, 475), preferably wherein the light emitting element is a light emitting diode. The electric toothbrush according to any of claims 1 or 2, further characterized in that the component is selected from the group consisting of a bristle holder (20, 100, 202, 22, 102, 218), a face plate carrier of bristles (302), an elastomeric component, a non-elastomeric component, an applicator and combinations thereof. The electric toothbrush according to any of claims 1-3, further characterized in that at least one of the components is a bristle holder comprising an opening (104, 216, 420). The electric toothbrush according to any of claims 1-4, further characterized in that at least a portion of the bristle holder is transparent. 6. The electric toothbrush according to any of claims 1-5, further characterized in that the bristle holder is a static bristle holder. The electric toothbrush according to any of claims 1-6, further characterized in that the component is slidably coupled to the head of the toothbrush. The electric toothbrush according to any of claims 1-7, further characterized in that the component is snapped onto the toothbrush head. The electric toothbrush according to any of claims 1-8, further characterized in that the bristle holder is a mobile bristle holder, and wherein the toothbrush further comprises a traction shaft, and wherein the Traction shaft operatively connects the bristle mobile support to the motor. 10. The electric toothbrush according to any of claims 1-9, further characterized in that the component is a front plate carrying bristles.